Make a Cute Tray From a Vintage Checkerboard

This flea market find became a chic tabletop decor in just a few steps.

Jun 27, 2014

Courtesy of Wayfair

Last month, our friends at Wayfair sent their editors to the Brimfield Antique Show (the huge, famous antique and flea market held in Western Massachusetts a few weeks each summer) and gave them a DIY challenge: Find something cool for less than $30, and turn it into a piece of home decor with just a few materials. Inspired by the character and wood detailing in a vintage checkerboard, one of their crafty staffers turned it into a piece you can display all the time — not just on game night. Adding some spray-painted handles is all it takes to recreate the look.

2. Spray paint the boat cleats and screws in a color that complements your decor. Take them outside, and place them on top of newspaper or a drop cloth before spraying. Here, silver boat cleats and screws were painted gold to create a sophisticated look.

3. Once the paint dries, screw the boat cleats onto the game board. Position each cleat on the board where you want them and mark a dot with a pencil through the screw holes. Remove the cleat and drill two pilot holes for the screws.

4. Place the boat cleats back into position and use a hand screwdriver or screwdriver drill bit to attach the cleats in place.

Use the tray to serve snacks in pretty bowls, corral odds and ends, or display flowers and books on your coffee table.

Courtesy of Wayfair

For more easy projects and home decor eye-candy, check out Wayfair Ideas and Advice. And see another one of their Brimfield DIY projects (nautical wall art!) here.

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